System and method for determining storage shelf volume

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for determining and displaying a used capacity in an overhead storage shelf.SOLUTION: Provided is a system used for determining a capacity of a storage shelf 104. The system includes a plurality of sensors 112 positioned within the storage shelf. Each sensor is configured to determine a used capacity within a portion of the storage shelf, and generate a voltage output value based on the determined used capacity, where the plurality of sensors is configured to generate a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to receive the total voltage output value from the plurality of sensors, determine a minimum voltage output value and a maximum voltage output value of the plurality of sensors, and determine a total used capacity of the storage shelf as a function of the total voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to overhead storage assemblies, and more particularly to systems and methods for determining and displaying occupied volume within overhead storage bins. [Background technology]

[0002] Today's flights are often fully booked, resulting in a desired but scarce overhead bin. As a result, it can be difficult for late-boarding passengers to find a large enough and conveniently located overhead bin for their carry-on baggage. For example, overhead bins may fill up before all carry-on baggage has been stowed, causing passenger frustration and delays to the boarding process. In some cases, available overhead space may be several rows away from passengers' seats, which can cause delays in boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. Further delays can occur when passengers take the time to independently search the bins and find available overhead bins.

[0003] The "Background" section of this document is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, as described and / or claimed below. This description section of this document is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect is a system for use in determining a volume of a storage shelf. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed within the storage shelf. Each sensor is configured to determine an occupied volume within a portion of the storage shelf and generate a voltage output based on the determined occupied volume, and the plurality of sensors is configured to generate a total voltage output based on the voltage output of each sensor. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to receive the total voltage output from the plurality of sensors, determine minimum and maximum voltage outputs of the plurality of sensors, and determine a total occupied volume of the storage shelf as a function of the total voltage output, the minimum voltage output, and the maximum voltage output.

[0005] Another aspect is a vehicle including a passenger compartment, a plurality of storage shelves coupled within the passenger compartment, and a plurality of sensors disposed within each storage shelf. Each sensor is configured to determine an occupied volume within a portion of the storage shelf and generate a voltage output value based on the determined occupied volume, and the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an aggregate voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to receive the aggregate voltage output value from the plurality of sensors, determine minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors, and determine a total occupied volume of the storage shelf as a function of the aggregate voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value.

[0006] Yet another aspect is a method for determining a volume of a storage shelf. The method includes determining an occupied volume within a portion of the storage shelf using one of a plurality of sensors within the storage shelf. Each sensor is configured to generate a voltage output value based on the determined occupied volume, and the plurality of sensors is configured to generate a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor. The method further includes receiving a total voltage output value from the plurality of sensors, determining a minimum voltage output value and a maximum voltage output value of the plurality of sensors, and determining a total occupied volume of the storage shelf as a function of the total voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value.

[0007] Various refinements exist of the features described in connection with the above-described aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, additional features may be incorporated into the above-described aspects of the present disclosure. Such refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, various features described below in connection with any of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated, alone or in any combination, into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an interior view of an exemplary aircraft. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for determining volume within a storage shelf. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stowage bin that may be used in the aircraft shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic internal view of the storage shelf shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic internal view of the storage shelf of FIG. 3 with cargo stored therein. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for determining volume within a storage shelf. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

[0010] The examples described below include systems and methods for determining and displaying the used volume in overhead bins. More specifically, the systems described herein include multiple sensors in each bin to determine the used volume in each bin. The systems use algorithms that correlate voltage readings received from the sensors with the available space. The voltage readings may be aggregated to determine the total used volume in each bin, and an indication of the total used volume may be provided to either the passengers or crew of the aircraft via a display. Thus, passengers or crew can quickly locate available overhead storage space upon boarding the aircraft.

[0011] As used herein, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" is to be understood as not excluding a plural of that element or step, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to an "example," "example implementation," or "one implementation" in the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an interior view of an exemplary aircraft 100 (i.e., vehicle). In this exemplary implementation, the aircraft 100 includes a passenger cabin 102 and a plurality of overhead bins 104 coupled within the passenger cabin 102. The passenger cabin 102 further includes a seating area 106 and an aisle 108 extending along the passenger cabin 102 to provide access to the plurality of overhead bins 104 and the seating area 106. The plurality of overhead bins 104 are selectively positionable between open and closed positions to receive and store one or more objects (e.g., luggage) therein. While the description is in the context of a passenger aircraft, application of the systems and methods described herein is not limited to passenger aircraft. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in any luggage-carrying vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a bus or train.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 110 for determining volume within a storage shelf 104. The system 110 includes multiple sensors 112 (e.g., 112-1 through 112-12) disposed within each storage shelf 104. The sensors 112 may be any device capable of determining an occupied volume within at least a portion of the storage shelf 104. Accordingly, the multiple sensors 112 may be disposed to enable determination of a total occupied volume of the storage shelf 104. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensors 112 are time-of-flight camera sensors configured to emit an optical signal and determine a distance from a corresponding sensor 112 to an obstacle based on the time it takes for a return signal resulting from the emitted optical signal to be received at the sensor 112. Alternative sensors 112 include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors and / or resistive force sensors.

[0014] During operation, the sensors 112 generate voltage output values ​​based on analysis of the return signals. As described in more detail below, the voltage output value generated by each sensor 112 is variable based on the distance between the respective sensor 112 and an obstacle (e.g., the opposite sidewall of the storage bin 104 or a single load), and the voltage output values ​​of multiple sensors 112 in each storage bin 104 can be used to determine the total occupied volume in each storage bin 104.

[0015] System 110 further includes display device 114 configured to display the total used volume, for example, to passengers or crew of aircraft 100. In one embodiment, at least one display device 116 is associated with each bin 104, with the corresponding display device 114 displaying the total used volume of its associated bin 104. In the exemplary embodiment, display device 116 is an LED indicator that includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown) that can be selectively activated to display one of a plurality of volume indicators for the associated bin 104. For example, the volume indicators may be manifested by different colors (each color corresponding to a predetermined volume level) or by a number of LEDs that are activated based on the predetermined volume level.

[0016] Instead of, or in addition to, a display device 116 coupled to each bin 104, a display device 118, which may be a separate device, is located remotely from the bins 104. More specifically, the display device 118 may receive and display the total occupied volume of each bin 104 within the aircraft 100. For example, the display device 118 may be located in an entrance aisle of the cabin 102, may be a crew panel, or may be a passenger's mobile device (with an application downloaded) so that passengers can view the overhead storage space that may be available when boarding the aircraft 100.

[0017] System 110 further includes an actuation device 120 configured to control the operational status of system 110 (i.e., sensors 112 and display 114). Actuation device 120 enables system 110 to operate only when appropriate (e.g., while on board aircraft 100). Accordingly, in one embodiment, actuation device 120 monitors the operational status of one or more components of aircraft 100 that may be associated with appropriate activation times. For example, actuation device 120 may be a sensor that monitors the opening and closing of each bin 104, a weight-on-wheel sensor, or a sensor that monitors the opening and closing of a cabin door, or may monitor the power generation status of aircraft 100 (i.e., system 110 operates when ground power or APU power is provided). Alternatively, system 110 may be manually activated and deactivated. Accordingly, selectively activating system 110 promotes energy conservation.

[0018] The controller 122 is in communication with the sensors 112, the display device 114, and the actuation device 120. The controller 122 includes a memory 124 and a processor 126 (including hardware and software) coupled to the memory 124 for executing programmed instructions. The processor 126 may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration) and / or may include a cryptographic accelerator (not shown). The controller 122 is programmable to perform one or more operations described herein by programming the memory 124 and / or the processor 126. For example, the processor 126 may be programmed by encoding operations as executable instructions and providing the executable instructions in the memory 124.

[0019] Processor 126 may include, but is not limited to, a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an open media application platform (OMAP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic circuit (PLC), and / or any other circuit or processor capable of performing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium, including, but not limited to, a storage device and / or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by processor 126, cause processor 126 to perform at least a portion of the functions described herein. The above examples are illustrative only and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor."

[0020] Memory 124 is one or more devices that allow information (such as executable instructions and / or other data) to be stored and retrieved. Memory 124 may include one or more computer-readable media, which may include, but are not limited to, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), solid-state disks, and / or hard disks. Memory 124 may be configured to store, but is not limited to, executable instructions, operating systems, applications, resources, installation scripts, and / or any other type of data suitable for use with the methods and systems described herein.

[0021] Instructions for operating the system and applications are functionally located in non-transitory memory 124 for execution by processor 126 to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions may, in various implementations, be embodied in various physical or tangible computer-readable media (e.g., memory 124 or another memory), such as a computer-readable medium (not shown), which may include, but is not limited to, a flash drive and / or a thumb drive. Furthermore, the instructions may be functionally located in non-transitory computer-readable media, which may include, but is not limited to, SmartMedia (SM) memory, CompactFlash (CF) memory, Secure Digital (SD) memory, Memory Stick (MS) memory, MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory, Embedded MultiMediaCard (e-MMC), and MicroDrive memory. The computer-readable media may be selectively insertable and / or removable from controller 122 to allow access and / or execution by processor 126. In an alternative implementation, the computer-readable media is not removable.

[0022] 3-5 illustrate sensors 112 disposed within a storage bin 104. Referring to FIG. 3, the storage bin 104 includes an interior 128 and an opening 130 providing access to the interior 128. The interior 128 is defined by a plurality of sidewalls 132, and the sensors 112 are coupled to one or more of the sidewalls 132 and arranged in an array across the sidewalls 132. In this exemplary embodiment, each sensor 112 emits a signal 134 and receives a return signal 136 resulting from the signal 134 bouncing off an obstacle disposed within the interior 128 (e.g., the opposite sidewall 132 or a package 138 shown in FIG. 5). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the signals 134 from the sensors 112 define a two-dimensional sensing grid 140 across the interior 128 of the storage bin 104. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors 112 are coupled to only one sidewall 132 (e.g., the top sidewall 132 of the storage shelf 104), and a two-dimensional sensing grid 140 is defined from the vertically aligned signals 134 emitted from the sensors 112.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, ground power 144 (e.g., 5VDC) is provided to a first sensor 142 of the plurality of sensors 112, and the plurality of sensors 112 (1-12) are electrically coupled together in series. Thus, a bias signal may be cascaded across the plurality of sensors 112, enabling a total voltage output 146 to be generated and output by the array of sensors 112. In one embodiment, the total voltage output 146 is a single output signal transmitted in analog form from the last sensor 148 of the array of serially coupled sensors, thereby reducing the complexity and the computing power required to analyze the total voltage output 146. As used herein, "analog" refers to a continuous (non-discrete) voltage value. In an alternative embodiment, each sensor 112 may transmit a voltage signal, e.g., I, for analysis. 2 It provides a unique digital output signal to the C multiplexer and Arduino board. As used in this document, "digital" refers to discrete (non-continuous) voltage values.

[0024] When powered, each sensor 112 generates a voltage output value that is variable within a range defined by a minimum voltage output value and a maximum voltage output value. The voltage output value varies depending on the sensed distance between each sensor 112 and an object. For example, the sensors 112 may be calibrated to generate a minimum voltage output value when the storage bin 104 is empty and the space within each sensor's 112's field of view is unobstructed (e.g., when the sensed distance is determined to be at a threshold level). Alternatively, when packages 137, 138 are placed within the storage bin 104, obstructing the field of view of at least one sensor 112, the voltage output value generated by each sensor 112 increases (i.e., as the sensed distance decreases, the voltage output value increases to a maximum voltage output value). For example, the maximum voltage output value is generated when the size of the packages 137, 138 reduces the sensed distance below the threshold level.

[0025] During operation, the controller 122 receives a total voltage output 146 from the plurality of sensors 112. The controller 122 further determines a total minimum and maximum voltage output of the plurality of sensors 112 and determines a total occupied volume for the storage shelf as a function of the total voltage output 146, the total minimum and the total maximum voltage output. The total maximum and minimum voltage output are determined as a function of the number of sensors 112 in the system 110.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system 110 includes twelve sensors 112, each with a minimum voltage output of approximately 0.6 volts (V) and a maximum voltage output of approximately 3.6 V. This results in a combined minimum voltage output of approximately 7.2 V and a combined maximum voltage output of approximately 43.2 V for the sensors 112. Referring to FIG. 5 , packages 137 and 138 are positioned within the interior 128 of the storage bin 104. The size of the package 137 obscures the view of some, but not all, of the array of sensors 112. Similarly, the size of the package 138 obscures the view of some, but not all, of the array of sensors 112. As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 5 , each sensor 112 generates its own voltage output based on the sensed distance between the sensor 112 and an object (e.g., the sidewall 132 or the packages 137 and 138), as described above. The fullness or occupied volume of the storage bin 104 is shown. TIFF0007814947000001.tif15170This allows the used volume of the storage shelf 104 shown in FIG. TIFF0007814947000002.tif15170

[0027] As described above, the display device 114 (see FIG. 2 ) displays one of a plurality of volume indicators for the associated storage shelf 104, where the volume indicator corresponds to a determined volume level within the storage shelf 104. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of volume threshold ranges may be defined by and / or stored in the controller 122. During operation, the controller 122 determines the total used volume of the storage shelf 104, compares the determined total used volume to the volume threshold ranges, and controls operation of the associated display device 114 based on the comparison. An exemplary volume threshold scheme may include volume threshold ranges such as a <50% used volume range, a 50-90% used volume range, and a >90% used volume range. One volume indicator may correspond to each threshold range (e.g., a green indicator light for a <50% used volume range, a yellow indicator light for a 50-90% used volume range, and a red indicator light for a >90% used volume range). Thus, displaying a single volume indicator allows passengers and crew to quickly and easily identify the location of available overhead storage space.

[0028] 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 200 for determining a volume within a storage shelf. Method 200 includes determining 202 a used volume within a portion of the storage shelf using one of a plurality of sensors within the storage shelf. Each sensor is configured to generate 202A a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, and the plurality of sensors is configured to generate 202B a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor. Method 200 further includes receiving 204 a total voltage output value from the plurality of sensors, determining 206 a minimum and maximum voltage output value of the plurality of sensors, and determining 208 a total used volume of the storage shelf as a function of the total voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value. Method 200 also includes comparing 210 the total used volume to a plurality of volume threshold ranges, each associated with a corresponding volume indicator, and displaying 212 a corresponding volume indicator associated with one of the plurality of volume threshold ranges based on the comparison.

[0029] The following paragraphs describe further illustrative, non-limiting examples according to the present disclosure.

[0030] In one example according to the present disclosure, the system used to determine the volume of the storage shelf (104) comprises: A plurality of sensors (112) are disposed within the storage shelf (104), each sensor (112) determining (202) an occupied volume within a portion of a storage shelf (104); generating (202A) a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are configured to generate (202B) an aggregate voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each of the sensors (112); A controller (122) in communication with the plurality of sensors (112), the controller (122) receiving (204) a total voltage output value from a plurality of sensors (112); determining (206) minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors (112); and determining (208) a total occupied volume of the storage shelf (104) as a function of the total voltage output, the minimum voltage output, and the maximum voltage output.

[0031] Optionally, in the system of the previous paragraph, multiple sensors (112) are electrically coupled together in series to produce a total voltage output value in a single output signal.

[0032] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, the plurality of sensors (112) are configured to transmit a single output signal in analog.

[0033] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, the plurality of sensors (112) are arranged to define a two-dimensional sensing grid across the interior (128) of the storage cabinet (104).

[0034] Optionally, the system of one of the preceding paragraphs further comprises a display device (114) in communication with the controller (122), the display device (114) configured to display a total occupied volume of the storage shelf (104).

[0035] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, the controller (122) is further configured to compare the total used volume with a plurality of volume threshold ranges, each associated with a corresponding volume indicator, and the display device (114) is configured to display a corresponding volume indicator associated with one of the plurality of volume threshold ranges based on the comparison.

[0036] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, each sensor (112) is a time-of-flight camera sensor (112).

[0037] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, the controller (122) is configured to monitor the occupancy status of the vehicle.

[0038] Optionally, in the system of one of the preceding paragraphs, the controller is configured to selectively activate at least one of the plurality of sensors (112) or the display device (114) based on an occupancy status of the vehicle.

[0039] In another example according to the present disclosure, the vehicle comprises: Guest room (102) and a plurality of storage shelves (104) connected together within the passenger compartment (102); a plurality of sensors (112) disposed within each storage shelf (104), each sensor (112) determining (202) an occupied volume within a portion of a storage shelf (104); generating (202A) a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are configured to generate (202B) an aggregate voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each of the sensors (112); A controller (122) in communication with the plurality of sensors (112), the controller (122) receiving (204) a total voltage output value from a plurality of sensors (112); determining (206) minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors (112); and determining (208) a total occupied volume of the storage shelf (104) as a function of the total voltage output, the minimum voltage output, and the maximum voltage output.

[0040] Optionally, in the vehicle of the preceding paragraph, multiple sensors (112) are electrically coupled together in series to produce a total voltage output value in a single output signal.

[0041] Optionally, in the vehicle of one of the preceding paragraphs, the plurality of sensors (112) is configured to transmit a single output signal in analog.

[0042] Optionally, in the vehicle of one of the preceding paragraphs, each shelf has an interior (128) and an opening (130) providing access to the interior (128), and the plurality of sensors (112) are arranged to define a two-dimensional sensing grid across the interior (128) of the corresponding storage shelf (104).

[0043] Optionally, the vehicle of one of the preceding paragraphs further comprises a display device (114) associated with each storage shelf (104), the display device (114) configured to display a total used volume of the associated storage shelf (104).

[0044] Optionally, in the vehicle of one of the preceding paragraphs, the controller (122) is configured to monitor an occupancy status of the vehicle and to selectively activate at least one of the plurality of sensors (112) or the display device (114) based on the occupancy status of the vehicle.

[0045] Optionally, in the vehicle of one of the preceding paragraphs, each sensor (112) is a time-of-flight camera sensor (112).

[0046] In another example according to the present disclosure, a method (200) for determining a volume of a storage shelf (104) includes: determining (202) a used volume within a portion of a storage shelf (104) using one of a plurality of sensors (112) within the storage shelf (104), wherein each sensor (112) is configured to generate (202A) a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, and the plurality of sensors (112) is configured to generate (202B) a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor (112); receiving (204) a total voltage output value from a plurality of sensors (112); determining (206) minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors (112); and determining (208) a total used volume of the storage shelf (104) as a function of the total voltage output, the minimum voltage output, and the maximum voltage output.

[0047] Optionally, in the method of the preceding paragraph, determining the total used volume includes quantifying the total used volume as a function of the difference between the total voltage output value and the minimum voltage output value, and as a function of this difference divided by the maximum voltage output value.

[0048] Optionally, in the method of one of the preceding paragraphs, receiving the total voltage output value includes receiving an analog single output signal.

[0049] Optionally, the method of one of the preceding paragraphs further includes displaying (210) the total occupied volume of the associated storage bin (104) on a display device (114).

[0050] Optionally, one of the methods from the previous paragraphs monitoring the vehicle's occupancy status; The method further includes selectively activating at least one of the plurality of sensors (112) or the display device (114) based on the vehicle occupancy status.

[0051] Optionally, one of the methods from the previous paragraphs comparing the total used volume to a plurality of volume threshold ranges, each associated with a corresponding volume indicator; and displaying, based on the comparison, on the display device (114), a corresponding volume indicator associated with one of the plurality of volume threshold ranges.

[0052] Examples are used in this specification to disclose various implementations, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice such various implementations, including making and using any device or system and performing any methods in combination. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art after reading this specification. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that differ insignificantly from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for use in determining the volume of a storage shelf (104), comprising: a plurality of sensors (112) disposed within the storage shelf (104), each sensor (112) determining (202) a used volume within a portion of the storage bin (104); generating (202A) a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are configured to generate (202B) a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor (112); a controller (122) in communication with the plurality of sensors (112), the controller (122) receiving (204) the aggregate voltage output value from the plurality of sensors (112); determining (206) minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors (112); and determining (208) a total used volume of the storage shelf (104) as a function of the total voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value. system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are electrically coupled together in series to produce the total voltage output value in a single output signal.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are configured to transmit the single output signal in analog.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of sensors (112) are arranged to define a two-dimensional sensing grid across an interior (128) of the storage bin (104).

5. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display device in communication with the controller, the display device configured to display the total used volume of the storage shelf.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller (122) is further configured to compare the total used volume with a plurality of volume threshold ranges, each volume threshold range being associated with a corresponding volume indicator, and the display device (114) is configured to display a corresponding volume indicator associated with one of the plurality of volume threshold ranges based on the comparison.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each sensor (112) is a time-of-flight camera sensor (112).

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the controller (122) is configured to monitor vehicle occupancy.

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller (122) is configured to selectively activate at least one of the plurality of sensors (112) or the display device (114) based on the occupancy status of the vehicle.

10. A method (200) for determining a volume of a storage shelf (104), comprising: determining (202) a used volume within a portion of the storage shelf (104) using one of a plurality of sensors (112) within the storage shelf (104), each sensor (112) configured to generate (202A) a voltage output value based on the determined used volume, and the plurality of sensors (112) configured to generate (202B) a total voltage output value based on the voltage output value of each sensor (112); receiving (204) the aggregate voltage output value from the plurality of sensors (112); determining (206) minimum and maximum voltage output values ​​of the plurality of sensors (112); determining (208) a total used volume of the storage shelf (104) as a function of the total voltage output value, the minimum voltage output value, and the maximum voltage output value.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein determining a total used volume comprises quantifying the total used volume as a function of a difference between the total voltage output value and the minimum voltage output value and as a function of the difference divided by the maximum voltage output value.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein receiving the total voltage output value comprises receiving an analog single output signal.

13. 13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising displaying (210) the total used volume of the associated storage bin (104) on a display device (114).

14. monitoring the vehicle's occupancy; The method of claim 13, further comprising selectively activating at least one of the plurality of sensors (112) or the display device (114) based on the occupancy status of the vehicle.

15. comparing the total used volume to a plurality of volume threshold ranges, each volume threshold range being associated with a corresponding volume indicator; The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying, on the display device (114), a corresponding volume indicator associated with one of the plurality of volume threshold ranges based on the comparison.

Images